Transfer window nerves over Mariners stars Bernie Ibini and Mat Ryan

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MARINERS boss Graham Arnold is sweating on the last 48 hours of the transfer window, hoping that young stars Bernie Ibini and Mat Ryan will still be part of his squad when the window closes at midnight on Thursday European time (11am AEST).

Though Ibini impressed Belgian side Club Brugge last week in a trial, and the clubs had previously agreed a fee, it is understood Brugge are considering signing the 19-year-old for next season rather than immediately.

The hiatus leaves the Mariners boss planning for the last third of the season and the Asian Champions League without full certainty over his squad make-up, with no obvious replacements available should Ibini or Ryan leave.

"In the last 48 hours of the transfer window a lot of things can happen, you often see a lot of activity," Arnold said.

"There's an unpredictability to it so I won't be 100 per cent relaxed until the window is closed and none of my players have left. There has been a lot of interest in both players so I know there's always the chance of something happening."

Though Arnold said the club had heard nothing more from Brugge since Ibini's trial, he admitted it would be "a good option" for all parties if the young forward was allowed to see out the season before any possible move.

"It would be helpful to us and good for Bernie too, but we'll see what happens."

The Mariners will be without midfielder Nick Montgomery through suspension for the trip to Brisbane on Friday night.